Niles CM710FX CM750FX surround in-ceiling speaker Installation

SPECIFICATIONS
Model
CM710FX
7" polypropylene woofer
with treated urethane
surround and one fluidcooled
13mm Kaladex.
CM750FX
7" Injection-molded
TCC woofer with
butyl rubber surround
and two pivoting 1”
Teteron ® tweeters with
fluid cooling.
Recommended
Amplifier Power
10 to 75 watts
per channel
10 to 125 watts
per channel
Normal
Impedance
8 ohm
nominal;
6 ohm
minimum
8 ohm
nominal;
6 ohm
minimum
Frequency
Response
60Hz - 21kHz
+/-3dB
55Hz - 21kHz
+/-3dB
Sensitivity
90 dB with
2.83 V pink
noise input
measured
at 1 meter
on axis
89 dB with
2.83 V pink
noise input
measured
at 1 meter
on axis
Frame
Dimensions
Hole Cut-Out
Dimensions
Depth Behind
Ceiling
9-1/4 inches 8 inches 4-3/8 inches
9-1/4 inches 8 inches 4-3/8 inches
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE INSTALLATION OR OPERATION OF THIS OR ANY OTHER NILES PRODUCT,
PLEASE CALL OUR TECHNICAL SUPPORT DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-BUY-HIFI (1-800-289-4434). SUPPORT IS
AVAILABLE WEEKDAYS 8:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M. EASTERN TIME WITH THE EXCEPTION OF HOLIDAYS.
LIMITED WARRANTY
NILES AUDIO CORPORATION (“NILES”) WARRANTS ITS LOUDSPEAKER PRODUCTS TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER TO
BE FREE OF MANUFACTURING DEFECTS IN MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS FROM
DATE OF PURCHASE.
THIS WARRANTY IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS. THE WARRANTY
IS VOID AND INAPPLICABLE IF NILES DEEMS THAT THE PRODUCT HAS BEEN USED OR HANDLED OTHER THAN IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ACCIDENT, MISHANDLING, IMPROPER INSTALLATION, ABUSE, NEGLIGENCE, OR NORMAL
WEAR AND TEAR, OR ANY DEFECT CAUSED BY REPAIR TO THE PRODUCT BY ANYONE OTHER THAN NILES OR AN
AUTHORIZED NILES DEALER.
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE, TAKE THE UNIT TO THE NEAREST AUTHORIZED NILES DEALER, WHO WILL
TEST THE PRODUCT AND IF NECESSARY, FORWARD IT TO NILES FOR SERVICE. IF THERE ARE NO AUTHORIZED
NILES DEALERS IN YOUR AREA, YOU MUST WRITE TO NILES AND INCLUDE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, MODEL AND
SERIAL NUMBER OF YOUR UNIT, ALONG WITH A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM. A FACTORY RETURN
AUTHORIZATION NUMBER WILL BE SENT TO YOU. DO NOT RETURN ANY UNIT WITHOUT FIRST RECEIVING WRITTEN
AUTHORIZATION AND SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FROM NILES.
IF THE ABOVE CONDITIONS ARE MET, THE PURCHASER’S SOLE REMEDY SHALL BE TO RETURN THE PRODUCT TO
NILES, IN WHICH CASE NILES WILL REPAIR OR REPLACE, AT ITS SOLE OPTION, THE DEFECTIVE PRODUCT WITHOUT
CHARGE FOR PARTS OR LABOR. NILES WILL RETURN A UNIT REPAIRED OR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BY
SHIPPING SAME BY ITS USUAL SHIPPING METHOD FROM THE FACTORY (ONLY) AT ITS EXPENSE WITHIN THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH
RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT.
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER/
PURCHASER. NILES SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES EXCEPT TO
THE EXTENT PROVIDED (OR PROHIBITED) BY APPLICABLE LAW.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND
YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
FOR THE NAME OF YOUR NEAREST AUTHORIZED NILES DEALER CONTACT:
NILES AUDIO CORPORATION, P.O. BOX 160818, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33116-0818.
B L E N D I N G H I G H F I D E L I T Y A N D A R C H I T E C T U R E ®
N i l e s A u d i o C o r p o r a t i o n
1 2 3 3 1 S . W . 1 3 0 S t r e e t M i a m i , F l o r i d a 3 3 1 8 6
P h o n e : 3 0 5 - 2 3 8 - 4 3 7 3 F a x : ( 3 0 5 ) 2 3 8 - 0 1 8 5
w w w . n i l e s a u d i o . c o m
©2007 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reser ved. Niles and the Niles logos are registered trademarks
of Niles Audio Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. D S 0 0 5 3 6 A
I N S T A L L A T I O N G U I D E
CM710FX
CM750FX
H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E C E I L I N G L O U D S P E A K E R S

CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank you for choosing a CM710FX or CM750FX loudspeaker from Niles. With proper installation and operation, you will enjoy years of
trouble-free use. Niles manufactures the industry’s most complete line of custom installation components and accessories for audio/video
systems. To see the complete Niles product assortment, visit us on the Internet at: www.nilesaudio.com
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Each package contains a pair of CM710FX or CM750FX loudspeakers; 1 pair of Aluminum MicroPerf Grilles and 1 pair of cardboard paint
mask/hole cutout templates.
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
We recommend using the following tools and material to install your Niles CM loudspeaker:
• Cordless drill with 1/4 – and 1/2inch
drill bits and a 1-inch paddle
drill bit (for drilling through studs)
• Stiff wire, fish tape or glow rods
for routing cables
• Rubber gloves and protective
eyewear
Before starting the installation, please observe the following precautions:
• Turn off all system power before
making any connections
• Always wear protective eyewear
when using tools
RUNNING WIRES IN WALLS OR CEILINGS
• Keyhole or drywall saw
• Phillips screwdriver set
• Wire stripper
• Stud finder
• Cable ties
• Pencil
When running loudspeaker wire inside walls or ceilings, use special jacketed cable (a minimum of 18 to 16-gauge two-conductor CL-2
or CL-3 rated loudspeaker wire) to protect the wire and for fire prevention. In some areas, conduit is also required. For a trouble-free
installation, low-voltage wire such as loudspeaker wire must be run in accordance with the National Electrical Code and any applicable
provisions of the local building code. If you are unsure of the correct installation techniques, wire jacket, or type of conduit to use, consult a
professional audio/video installer, building contractor, or the local building and inspection department.
SELECTING THE LOCATION FOR YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS
The CM700FX series loudspeakers are designed to be installed in any standard ceiling. There are two considerations for placing the
loudspeaker; ease of running the cable to the loudspeaker and coverage of the loudspeaker. The surround effect will be most convincing
if both of the loudspeakers are at equal distance from the listener. Avoid installing the loudspeakers near corners to prevent a “boomy” or
diffracted sound. The loudspeakers will cover an area of a circle with a 16-foot diameter when mounted at an 8-foot height. (See Figure 1)
EXISTING CONSTRUCTION INSTALLATION
• Make sure hands are clean before
installation
• Wear gloves when working with
fiberglass insulation
IMPORTANT: BEFORE YOU CUT INTO ANY WALL, REVIEW THE PRIOR SECTION ON LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT WHEN SELECTING THE
LOCATION FOR YOUR LOUDSPEAKERS.
1. When determining the location of the loudspeaker cutout, keep in mind that the mounting dogs will extend 3/4” beyond the cutout.
Make sure that you do not place the edge of the cutout directly next to a ceiling joist. Locate the joists using a stud sensor or by hand
knocking. Use the supplied cutout template (remove the largest perforated circle and use cardboard square with hole as the template) to
determine how large of a hole you will need to cut. These templates are packed with your loudspeakers between the styrofoam packing
and the ends of the box.
2. Once you have determined a possible position for the cutout, drill a 1/8” pilot hole just barely through the ceiling (1/2” to 5/8” deep in
most homes) in the center of your proposed loudspeaker location.
BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO DRILL THROUGH EXISTING WIRES, PIPES, OR STRUCTURE. IF YOU FEEL ANY EXTRA RESISTANCE AS YOU
ARE DRILLING, STOP.
3. Cut a foot-long piece of coat hanger. Bend the wire (creating a right angle) leaving 5-1/2” at one end (this allows for the extra width of
the mounting dogs). Poke the “L-shaped” wire into the pilot hole and turn it in a complete circle and move it into the ceiling cavity to
make sure you have approximately 4-3/8” of depth. If the wire’s movement is obstructed by anything, fill the hole(s) with spackle and try
another location.
4. If the coat hanger moves freely in a complete circle and you have sufficient depth, hold the template up to the ceiling surface. The
cardboard square with the circular hole is the template. The inner perforated circle within the larger circle that was removed in step 1
earlier is the paint mask. Keep it for painting the loudspeaker later. Outline the circular cutout on the ceiling surface lightly with a pencil.
Drill the starting point of your cut with a 1/4” bit.
5. If you are cutting drywall use a sheetrock or keyhole saw, cut the hole with the saw at a 45° angle. That way the drywall section can be
replaced cleanly if there is an unseen obstruction behind the wall.
IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO SAW THROUGH EXISTING WIRES, PIPES, OR STRUCTURE.
IF YOU FEEL EXTRA RESISTANCE AS YOU ARE CUTTING, STOP.
NEW CONSTRUCTION INSTALLATION
INSULATING THE WALL CAVITY
If feasible, fill the wall cavity with insulation at this point.
MOUNTING THE NEW CONSTRUCTION BRACKET
The optional CM700 BKT can be used with the CM710FX or CM750FX loudspeakers. The hole saving bracket enables a faster and cleaner
final installation of the loudspeaker. It forces the drywall installer to cut out the loudspeaker hole for you and provides wire ties for the
loudspeaker wire, reducing the risks of accidental loss or movement of the wire. In addition, it enables you to align your loudspeakers with
other ceiling fixtures with great accuracy since you can really see exactly where the loudspeaker will be. To install the bracket, first pivot
the long wing out until it stops, which will be in straight line with the short wing. The wings and brackets have centering lines to simplify
placement of the loudspeakers. Screw one side of the assembled bracket with wings to the joist using one of the supplied screws. Level
the bracket. Screw the other side of the bracket/wing assembly to the joist. Two screws on each side make for a very secure installation.
Secure the wire to the bracket using bracket’s wire tie tab. The drywall installers will cut the drywall to the exact size of the bracket. (See
Figure 2)
CONCEALING LOUDSPEAKER WIRE FOR A FUTURE INSTALLATION
Attach the loudspeaker wire in a loop between the ceiling joists and carefully mark the exact location of the wire on a set of plans. Ask the
general contractor to inform the drywall installers that the loudspeaker wire loops are concealed for future installations.
UNPACKING AND FINAL INSTALLATION
1. Remove the top piece of styrofoam from the box. You will find two loudspeakers bagged in a lower portion of packing. Remove the
loudspeaker from the bag. The metal grille is installed on the loudspeaker and will need to be removed. This is easily done by rotating
the mounting ‘dogs’ out with your fingers and pulling them towards the front of the loudspeaker. This will push the screw heads against
the inside of the grille to work it out of the baffle. (See Figure 3)
2. At each loudspeaker location, route the wire to the input connectors, then separate the loudspeaker wire so that at least 2 inches of each
conductor are free. Strip away 1/4 inch of insulation from each individual loudspeaker wire.
3. Press down each spring-loaded connector one at a time, insert the appropriate conductor and then release the connector. Check to be
sure that the connector is making contact with stripped wire and not the wire jacket. Gently tug on the loudspeaker wire to make sure it
is held in place. If not, repeat this procedure until it is.
IMPORTANT: OBSERVE CORRECT POLARITY: POSITIVE (+) GOES TO THE RED POST AND NEGATIVE (–) GOES TO THE BLACK POST.
4. Rotate dogs back to their original positions so that they do not protrude out from the diameter of the loudspeaker.
5. Insert the loudspeaker into the hole by carefully holding it with both hands and angling it slowly into the hole until the frame is flush with
the ceiling. Holding it in place carefully with one hand, (do not push against the woofer or tweeter) use a cordless drill to begin mounting
the loudspeaker.
6. Tighten the four screws using a #2 Phillips bit. Use low torque and low speed or you may damage the loudspeaker. This should pull the
frame and mounting dog together (sandwiching the drywall) so that the frame is absolutely flush with the wall surface. There should be
no gaps between the wall and the frame.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE SCREWS! OVER TIGHTENING THEM MAY MAKE THE GRILLE DIFFICULT TO INSTALL
7. Direct the tweeters. (CM750FX only) The tweeters are directed by gently pressing on the outer edge of the tweeter housing. It will move
in any direction. For enveloping surround sound create more reflections and thus more ambiance by directing the tweeters towards the
sidewalls. (See Figure 4)
8. Set the Treble level control. Listen to a well-recorded piece of music or movie selection at the user’s favorite listening position. Listen for
treble harshness or ringing, particularly when the loudspeakers are placed in a room without carpet. Use the -3dB Treble cut position to
correct. (See Figure 5)
9. Set the Diffuse / Direct control. Use the Diffuse setting when listening to movies and classical music. The sound will be less focused as
it is reflected along the room’s boundaries. This is the best choice, since most films are mixed using non-localized surround effects and
classical music is usually recorded in a favorable acoustic environment. Use the Direct setting when listening to discrete multi-channel
recordings that equally emphasize front and surround sounds. For multiple sets of CM700FX series loudspeakers, use the Diffuse setting
on the Side/Rear loudspeakers for more surround effect. For the Surround Back loudspeakers, use the Direct setting to focus the sound.
(See Figure 6)
10. Install the MicroPerf grille. Start by positioning one edge of the grille slightly inside the loudspeaker. Gently work around the
loudspeaker a little at a time until the grille is fully seated. Don’t try to insert the grille fully in any one area, as this will make complete
installation more difficult. Don’t force the grille to fit as you may damage the grille if you apply too much force.
11. Connect the other end of each loudspeaker wire to the receiver (or amplifier) carefully observing polarity.
12. Turn on the home theater receiver and calibrate all loudspeakers in the system according to the receiver manufacture’s instructions.
PAINTING THE GRILLE AND FRAME
Each CM710FX and CM750FX loudspeaker and flush-mount metal grille may be painted without the need for primer.
1. Install loudspeaker into ceiling or wall following the previous steps 1 - 6.
2. Remove the smallest perforated circle from the cardboard square template. This is the paint mask that protects the loudspeaker from
paint. Gently press it into place inside the baffle.
3. Paint the frame of the loudspeaker.
4. Paint the grille separately from the loudspeaker frame. For best results when painting the grille, use a spray gun or airless sprayer. Thin
the paint to prevent clogging of the grille holes and apply several light coats instead of one heavy one.
5. Gently remove the paint mask after paint has dried by pressing in the tab in the center and carefully pulling out the mask with your
finger. Be very careful not to poke the tweeter with your finger.
6. Finish installation of the loudspeaker following the previous steps 7 –12.
Figure 1. Typical placement for surround use.
Figure 3. Mounting “dog” rotation.
REBLE
Figure 4. Tweeter adjustment.
+3
Figure 2. New construction bracket.
TREBLE
-3 0 +3
DIFFUSE DIRECT
Figure 5. Treble level control. Figure 6. Mode selector.